I know improving water quality and improving our natural environment is important to you. When we asked Aucklanders what they thought of an extra targeted rate to bring forward a 30-year work programme for greater investment in these two areas, a large majority from the Ōrākei ward said yes.
So one year on, what has been done? Work to improve water quality has happened in Hobson Bay, Judges Bay, the Newmarket Stream, Wilsons Beach, Pourewa Creek and around the Ōrākei Basin. A big focus has been on Okahu Bay where the water quality was graded black — council’s highest warning, indicating a very high risk of illness according to our Safeswim testing. All boats and their moorings have now been removed from Okahu Bay (to align with the Unitary Plan) with most being repositioned opposite the Outdoor Boating Club, on the seaward side of Tamaki Dr.
Significant investigation of the suburb of Ōrākei’s properties has found many still with storm water and waste water combined sewer systems. Come October, work will start on the separation of these which will reduce the frequency and quality of any overflows, which are now positioned further out where there are more currents. This will make swimming at Okahu Bay significantly safer in the summer.
Environmentally, we have done a lot of work around trapping of pests. Rats have been particularly bad this season but extra funding has gone towards this, benefitting Okahu Bay, St Heliers, Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and Remuera. Waiatarua Reserve and Waiata Reserve have received increased investment with plant pest eradication too. To all of you who have taken advantage of the free rat traps given out by the Eastern Bays Songbird Project, thank you. Over a thousand have been distributed and this is really helping pest reduction in our area. The Domain, one of Auckland’s true jewels, has been a focus with a higher level of pest plant and animal control than local parks. We have started a significant privet removal programme there — I can hear all those suffering from hayfever cheering now! The Domain will hopefully be privet- free in three to seven years.
One of the exciting new features in the Domain, is a home for council’s biosecurity dogs. Having the biosecurity dog depot here is helping the Domain become pest free, through identifying pest hot spots and direct pest control. Our wonderful dog handlers and dog teams are able to detect for rodents, mustelids, plague skinks and Argentine ants. I visited them recently and saw them in action — the work is fascinating and the dogs are adorably cute too. Thanks to the natural environment targeted rate, council has also been able to increase its pest protection in the Hauraki Gulf islands, and has invested in increased pest detector dogs and handlers, certified under the Conservation Dog Programme.
By the time you read this, the local government elections will be in full swing. You will be seeing hoardings, flyers in your letterbox and an increased awareness of who is standing for mayor, councillor and local board in your area. Please take the time to research those who are standing, and above all — VOTE. I am standing again as the Communities and Residents Councillor for Ōrākei and have published a list of my ‘achievements’ this term on my website: desley.co.nz. It’s been a humbling and challenging three years around the Town Hall table. I’d be deeply honoured to have your continued support, delivering what matters to you.